S.J. residents on a journey of discovery

STOCKTON - Bank of Stockton President Doug Eberhardt said he has dreamed of being able to see a live space shuttle launch since he was a child.

Keith Reid

STOCKTON - Bank of Stockton President Doug Eberhardt said he has dreamed of being able to see a live space shuttle launch since he was a child.

He never knew that his first opportunity to do so would double as a show of support to a friend and colleague.

Eberhardt will be one of a group of San Joaquin County residents flying from Stockton to the Kennedy Space Center in Orlando, Fla., to see astronaut Jose Hernandez and his NASA team launch into outer space.

"You see it on TV and always wish you could see it live," Eberhardt said. "It's really great when you get to support a friend."

Hernandez invited a fairly large contingent from his hometown to watch the launch. Many University of the Pacific administrators and regents will join the astronaut's family members and friends. Hernandez is a Pacific graduate and a current regent.

"This is a culmination of years of dedication and work," said Tom Zuckerman, chairman of the Board of Regents. "Jose ... we're all just real proud of him and want to provide him all the support and recognition he deserves. His contributions to the community and his qualities are just exemplary."

Angel Picon, a close friend and former director of the Stockton-based Jose Hernandez Foundation, said he would be remiss to not attend the launch live.

"For me, it's an honor to be there," said Picon. "His story really resonates in the Central Valley, not just for Latinos but I think everyone can be inspired."

Stockton Mayor Ann Johnston was one of those invited, but will be unable to attend because the launch date was rescheduled so many times that she now has conflicts with other commitments.

She expressed disappointment.

"We're so proud of Jose, and we're going to be watching and cheering him on from Stockton," Johnston said.

Contact reporter Keith Reid at (209) 546-8257 or kreid@recordnet.com.

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